Man in 'panda onesie' costume shot by police after threatening to blow up Fox television station in Baltimore

A man wearing a full-body animal costume and threatening to blow up a local television station was shot by police on Thursday.

The man entered Fox 45 studios in Baltimore in a "onesie" style costume with an object strapped to his chest that he claimed was a bomb, and demanded that the station air what he said was evidence of a government conspiracy. He had reportedly set his car on fire outside of the building before entering.

Police were notified, and the building was evacuated. About one hour after he entered the building, which by this time was surrounded by police, the man walked outside and three shots rang out.

He was struck at least once, with police using a bomb squad robot to communicate with him as he lay injured on the pavement. Police have said that he was still alive as of Thursday afternoon, and that they are investigating the incident.

Witnesses described the man's appearance and his demands:

"He talked to me and was wearing what appears to be a full-body white panda suit, surgical mask and sunglasses," FOX45 News Director Mike Tomko was quoted as saying.

"He had a flash drive, said he had information he wanted to get on the air. He compared it to the information found in the Panama Papers."

Police were notified, and the building was evacuated. Credit:
REUTERS/Bryan Woolston

The suspect's identity is not yet known, nor are the extent of is injuries.

Jourael Apostolides, the building's security guard, told the Baltimore Sun that the man handed him a flash drive upon his arrival that he said contained important information to be shared with the station.

Mr Apostolides said the drive contained video of the man talking about space and government.

Mr Tomko has said that the employees of the station are safe, though a bit unsettled by the incident.